When was the last time you felt nervous for a meeting or presentation?

Today, I presented something I’ve been working on for months to senior leadership, and it wasn’t until a colleague asked how I was feeling about it that I realised I wasn’t at all nervous.

Not because the stakes weren’t high, but because I’ve spent my life communicating in so many different ways — teaching, performing, marketing, even stand-up comedy — that I trust myself to handle all kinds of different scenarios. Each experience has taught me something new about engaging an audience, thinking on my feet, and delivering a message that sticks. More than that, in each experience I’ve made mistakes, overcome challenges, and had to be resilient — trying again and again to keep improving.

Pictured: Harriet interviewing our Director-General Charles Byrne CBE at the Schools’ Mace Finals Day in 2024.

From performing, I learned how to manage my nerves and stay composed under pressure. If you can keep your cool when you forget a line or when a fake-blood-covered lychee (fake eyeball — long story) is far slipperier than it was in rehearsal, you learn to stay focused no matter what comes your way.

From teaching, I learned how to structure ideas in a way that’s clear, persuasive, and engaging. I discovered that how you present something is just as important as what you say; your presence, tone, and confidence shape how your message is received. If you can get a group of formerly disinterested 13-year-olds excitedly talking about Macbeth over their lunch break, you know you’ve done a good job.

From stand-up comedy, I learned the importance of quick thinking. You never know what an audience will throw at you, and being able to adapt in real time is key. Who would’ve thought that handling hecklers in a damp pub basement would prepare me for fielding unexpected questions in a boardroom?!

Now in marketing, I use these principles daily. Whether crafting a brand message, relaying information internally or, like today, distilling months of work into a 10-minute presentation that resonates at the top level of an organisation.

Having such varied communication experiences has been invaluable because confidence isn’t just something you have; it’s something you build. Through practice, mistakes, and trying new things, communication skills evolve and become second nature until you can simply trust in your ability to use the skills you’ve developed and handle whatever comes your way.

At The English-Speaking Union, we champion oracy because confident communication isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build. Today was a reminder of how varied that journey can be, and how far I’ve come.

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Imagine a world where kids not only ace their exams but also debate passionately, present ideas confidently, and listen empathetically. 

That’s the power of oracy! 

Teaching oracy transforms classrooms into vibrant spaces of communication and collaboration. It boosts self-esteem, improves academic performance, and equips students with skills for life. It gives students the tools they need to express themselves and connect with others, making learning more engaging and fun. With a growing body of research showcasing the importance of oracy, educators, parents, and policy-makers are increasingly recognising its impact. 

In this post, we’ll explore why verbal communication is important and how to improve children’s academic and personal development.

The Academic Benefits of Oracy

You can’t underestimate the importance of oracy in education; it plays a crucial role in boosting students’ reading and listening skills. 

Studies have shown that effective communication skills in education lead to a better grasp of vocabulary. This, in turn, helps students construct meaningful sentences and understand complex texts. By combining speaking, listening, and writing, students not only enhance their language abilities but also achieve better performance in assessments.

Strong communication skills also help students to understand and remember what they learn. When they share their thoughts and dive into discussions, they grasp and retain new concepts much more effectively. This kind of interactive learning makes classes more lively and fun. By focusing on developing these skills, we create an engaging and dynamic classroom environment where students thrive both academically and personally.

Personal Development through Teaching Oracy

Oracy isn’t just about doing well in school; it’s also key to personal growth. It helps build confidence and self-esteem, which are essential for students as they tackle the challenges of education. By encouraging open communication, students learn to express their thoughts clearly and confidently, a skill that serves them well beyond their school years.

This approach also boosts critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When students engage in discussions, they learn to consider different viewpoints, analyse information, and form well-reasoned arguments. This not only sharpens their minds but also improves their social and emotional intelligence.

Listening, empathising, and responding to others’ ideas also helps them appreciate diversity and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Incorporating teaching oracy into the classroom ensures that these important skills are developed throughout a student’s education, preparing them for success both in school and real life scenarios.

Expert Opinions and Research

The significance of integrating oracy in education is echoed by numerous studies and expert opinions. Research has consistently demonstrated a positive correlation between strong oracy skills and academic performance. For instance, we at the English-Speaking Union (ESU), offer compelling evidence and resources highlighting the transformative power of effective verbal communication.

Educators widely recognise that teaching of oracy leads to noticeable improvements in students’ engagement and learning outcomes. When students are encouraged to express their ideas and listen to others, they become more active participants in their own learning. This not only helps them grasp new concepts more effectively but also makes the classroom a more dynamic and inclusive place.

Statistics from various educational settings back this up. Schools that prioritise the importance of oracy see better academic results and higher levels of student involvement. Incorporating oracy activities into the classroom will not only improve individual success but also creates a more interactive and supportive learning environment for everyone.

Conclusion

The role of oracy in education shouldn’t be understated. It is a critical tool for unlocking students’ potential, both academically and personally.

When we focus on building strong communication skills, we give our students the tools they need to succeed in every aspect of life. Oracy skills help them articulate their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and connect with others. This not only boosts their grades but also prepares them for real-world challenges. 

Educators and parents play a crucial role in making this happen. By creating opportunities for students to speak, listen, discuss, and reflect on their ideas regularly, we help them become more confident, empathetic, and better equipped to handle various challenges.

If you’re curious to learn more about oracy education, The English-Speaking Union (ESU) has plenty of great resources and research to explore. By committing to nurturing these essential skills, we can help shape a future generation that is more resilient, adaptable, and articulate. 

Let’s work together to make oracy a priority and watch our students thrive!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 skills of oracy?

The ESU’s four key skillsets of oracy are reasoning and evidence; listening and response; expression and delivery and organisation and prioritisation.

What does it mean to teach oracy?

Teaching oracy means helping students develop the skills needed for clear speaking and attentive listening, within a structured educational environment.

What is an example of oracy in the classroom?

An example of oracy in action is a classroom debate where students articulate their viewpoints, listen to others, and collaboratively build on ideas, showcasing effective verbal communication.

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Log on to our members’ hub to read the latest edition of Dialogue, featuring Joanna Young – winner of our ESU-Rutland Teacher of the Year award; a look at oracy today and what has changed since the landmark Bullock Report 50 years ago this year, and how one school set about building a positive culture around questions.

Find out more about becoming a member here.

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Following on from our previous introductions, we say hello to the other volunteers who make up our board

One of our trustees is a trained football referee; another an accomplished classic rock singer, while another used to manage a cheese shop. Can you guess who? We reveal all, along with why they wanted to get involved with our charitable work, in our quick-fire interviews on the ESU members’ hub – simply sign up with your email to read. To find out more about becoming a member, click here.

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There’s a lot to look forward to this year, from Nicholas Hytner’s production of Richard II starring Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey (above) to books about free speech, and how the lack of it is threatening our universities. Plus ESU alumnus Rory Bremner is on tour, and it’s the 250th anniversary of author Jane Austen, too. As she wrote in her novel Emma, ‘One cannot have too large a a party.’

Read our cultural guide to the year ahead on our members’ hub now, or find out more about becoming a member here.

[Image by Jason Bell]

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‘Judging people by their identities and not by their actions is a very dangerous thing. Life is not black and white; it is so much more interesting than that.’ So says His Excellency Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the UK, who talks to Charlie Day is his most recent interview. Their wide-ranging discussion touches on subjects including the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (which in 1918 became the first secular democratic Muslim-majority state); the difficulties of Soviet rule; the country’s transition to independence in 1991; its unique position as a bridge between the East and the West; and, most currently, COP 29.

Charlie is an ESU member and founder of The New Forum, a platform dedicated to bridging the generational divide and providing a space for young people to learn about the worlds of politics, business and current affairs, through interviews with leaders in these spaces.

Watch the full interview on our members’ hub now.

To find out more about becoming a member, click here.

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One of our favourite things this month was an episode of BBC Radio 4’s This Cultural Life, in which host John Wilson talked to actor Bill Nighy about some of the turning points in his career. It struck a chord for two reasons. First, he made mention of a teacher, one Mr Weir, whose apparently throwaway comment about ‘trying his hand at the novel’ sparked his aspirations and altered his life – just as those teachers honoured by our ESU-Rutland Teacher Award change the lives of their pupils. And second was a funny anecdote about his audition for drama school in which – echoing our Performing Shakespeare competition – he had to give a speech. He chose Viola’s monologue from Act II, scene ii from Twelfth Night, but sadly, it didn’t go quite as expected…  Our other picks include a new podcast all about words, and James, Percival Everett’s masterful reimagining of the runaway slave in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, as told by ‘Jim’ himself.

Read the full article on the members’ hub now.

Find out more about becoming a member and how your support helps us ensure children have the speaking and listening skills and cultural understanding they need to thrive.

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Back in October, we recommended Michael Rosen’s new book, Rosen’s Almanac, a fascinating insight into exactly what language is. It is not, or not just, he argues, a system of grammar, phonology and vocabulary, but a vibrant, ever-changing personal identity formed by family – even those long dead – friends, school, geography and, above all, conversations. As he says, ‘No matter how many books are written about language, we should always remember that language is ours. We make it for our purposes.’

On our members’ hub this month, we’re delighted to share an extract that perfectly captures the way that language can echo through centuries, and generations.

Read the article here, or find out more about becoming a member here.

Picture courtesy of Historyworks.

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Charlie Day interviews Simon Carter, CEO of British Land. As well as discussing the firm’s real estate portfolio (one of the UK’s largest with over £12 billion of assets under management) and the progress the company has made towards social and environmental sustainability, they also touch on why cultural alignment is the most important thing in relationships with investors, and the importance of getting at least 51 per cent of decisions right.

Charlie is an ESU member and founder of The New Forum, a platform dedicated to bridging the generational divide and providing a space for young people to learn about the worlds of politics, business and current affairs, through interviews with leaders in these spaces.

Watch the full interview on our members’ hub now.

To find out more about becoming a member, click here.

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Lots of good stuff in this month’s selection including an article in TES from former English teacher Alex Quigley about why we need to teach students to argue properly; Caitlin Moran’s advice on easy conversation-starting strategies – and why young people need them more than ever – and a new production of All’s Well that Ends Well at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe, home to the final of our Performing Shakespeare competition.

Read the full article on the members’ hub now.

Find out more about becoming a member and how your support helps us ensure children have the speaking and listening skills and cultural understanding they need to thrive.

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